OFFICEVERSE

Hybrid Hubs

The future of work is here! A groundbreaking new study by IWG shows that businesses are embracing hybrid work models and decentralising their office footprints. Over half of the companies surveyed are opening satellite offices in suburbia to meet employees where they live. This win-win solution helps workers skip the daily slog while letting companies tap into lower-cost locations. "The traditional headquarters model is fading fast," says IWG CEO Mark Dixon. "Savvy leaders recognise that flexible, distributed workspaces are the path forward." Commutes and crowded cities are so 2019 - the next era is about empowering your team with flexibility. According to Dixon, the data signals the demise of "unproductive and expensive" commutes. Companies that modernise their real estate strategies will gain a competitive edge in attracting top talent. The future is bright for businesses embracing the hybrid work revolution!

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Sitting Too Much Raises Your Risk of Dementia, Study Finds

Can you offset all your sitting at work and home by exercising? A surprising new study says it may not be enough to protect your brain health.

Researchers found that people who sat for over 10 hours a day had an 8% higher risk of developing dementia within seven years compared to those sitting under 10 hours daily. And at 12+ hours of sitting, the risk jumped to 63% higher.

Shockingly, even regular exercisers had elevated dementia risk if they accumulated lots of sitting time throughout their day. Exercise alone did not seem to offset the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

The study tracked nearly 50,000 older adults aged 60+ who wore activity trackers for a week. Using AI technology, the data precisely measured time spent sitting versus moving each day. Participants were then followed for 7 years to identify any dementia diagnoses.

According to the researchers, reducing total sitting time is key for lowering dementia risk as we age. It was only enough to take short walking breaks or stand periodically if people still sat for over 10 hours.

So, even if you make it to the gym or go for a jog, be sure also to minimise sitting throughout your day - whether at your desk, during your commute, or in front of the TV. When it comes to brain health, your total daily sitting time really does matter.

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Climbing the Work-Life Blend Table

The UK ranked #7 for work-life balance in Remote's 2023 Life-Work Index, up from 28th last year. The annual index evaluates countries on healthcare, leave policies, hours worked, and more. Denmark topped the list for its flexible work culture and generous parental leave. The UK scored well for LGBTQ+ protections and a reasonable 36.4 hour work weeks. With work-life balance increasingly valued today, the index highlights countries where healthy boundaries are more supported. While no place is perfect, the geographic options for a better work-life blend keep growing as remote work expands.

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Changing Behavior Takes Effort and Practice

Meaningful personal growth requires changing engrained behaviours, which is notoriously difficult. But with focused effort, it can be done.

First, increase self-awareness through feedback. Understanding how others perceive you is key to identifying areas needing improvement.

Next, make public commitments to cement your intentions. Tell colleagues about the changes you want to make.

Then, watch for defensive thoughts that could derail your efforts. Recognise these instincts so you can move past them.

Finally, practice through small experiments. Change takes trial and error. Start small, learn from experience and course-correct.

You can replace unhelpful behaviours with more effective ones with greater self-knowledge, public accountability, mental focus, and hands-on practice. Personal growth takes work, but it's within your reach.

Take-away!

So only sit at your local hub office desk in Denmark for a short time while trying to change your engrained behaviour!